Eco home case studies

Here’s a selection of case studies of low energy homes in and around Cambridge that have taken part in previous Open Eco Homes eco-renovation events.

If you live in an ‘eco-home’, new or old, and would be interested to take part in Open Eco Homes, or our othr home energy events, please contact the CCF office on 01223 301842 or email: info@cambridgecarbonfootprint.org.

Histon, Cambridge is a 1970s brick-built semi-detached house, originally without central heating. The owners decided to upgrade their property with the purpose of making it more energy-efficient, and to generate some of their own energy; approximately 70% of their electricity is now supplied by the 2.1KW PV system. Key features include: solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar thermal system, wood-burning stove, low energy lights, seasonal secondary glazing. View case study (PDF)

This 1950s family house was extended and renovated, massively improving its energy efficiency in the process, and maximising natural light with roof lights and a bespoke ‘light tube’. Features include solar thermal and photovoltaic panels, and a rainwater harvesting system. There is also an air-sealed entrance lobby and passive ventilation. View case study (PDF)

Midsummer Common

The Midsummer Common narrowboat demonstrates how to live a low-impact life off the grid and without mains water and sewage. The boat was sprayed with foam for insulation. Heating in winter is from a small woodburner, and batteries are charged by solar photovoltaic panels. Other features include a composting toilet and a wind turbine! View case study (PDF)

Madingley Road

Madingley Road is a beautiful custom built house including a ground source heat pump supplying underfloor heating, water heating by solar thermal, a whole house heat recovery system, a sedum roof and full-length south-facing windows that halve the heating needs in winter. Biodiversity is also being encouraged with a pond and a wildflower meadow. View case study (PDF)

Nuttings Road

Nuttings Road was renovated according to a carefully budgeted five-year plan. The 1950s ex-Council house is now super energy efficient, with details including hot water from both the woodburner and solar thermal panels, sheep’s wool insulation in the loft and bath insulation. The house also incorporates water-saving devices and there is even a terracotta evaporation fridge! View case study (PDF)

Auckland Road

Auckland Road is a custom built low carbon home on a small site in the heart of Cambridge. It has rooflights to mitigate the restriction on windows, and a key idea was to create different spaces and moments of interest to help to make the house feel larger than it really is. It is super insulated and other features include passive ventilation, underfloor heating and a grass and wildflower roof. View case study (PDF)

Melbourne Place

Melbourne Place is a beautiful listed Victorian terrace, which has been remodelled and extended to make a spacious, light low energy home. Underfloor heating runs off an air source heat pump and solid walls have been internally insulated. There are also insulated internal blinds and air-sealed windows, doors and even the letter box! View case study (PDF)